Black Friday Special! 30% off... forever

Sign up for a full year of The Read Optional for just $50

Ollie knows what the hell he’s talking about — Rex Ryan

Every year, someone tells me I should run a Black Friday sale. And every year, I don’t—because I am a terrible salesman. But not this year! With the playoffs coming into picture and the draft/free agency season soon ahead, now is a great time to sign up for The Read Optional.

This Black Friday, you can get an annual subscription to TRO for $55 — and that price will be locked in for as long as you choose to stay with us.

A paid subscription will give you access to four hours of podcasts a week. Tired of shouty debate analysis? Looking for detailed breakdowns of games, teams, schemes, and players? We have you covered. A subscription also gives you access to the full archive of columns and podcasts, offering some of the dorkiest, detailed analysis of the game you will find. Want to know about the evolution of modern defenses, how Micah Parsons has overhauled the Packers defense, Atlanta’s problem with the Pistol formation, who are the most effective blitzers in the NFL, or understand the Fangio Defense? What about how Ben Johnson has shifted his offense to fit Caleb Williams, or the latest wackadoo nonsense springing from the minds of Brian Flores or Mike Macdonald? We have you covered. More interested in podcasts? Jon Ledyard and I go deeeeep on the league, draft prospects, and more for four hours a week on The Read Optional Podcast, available exclusively to subscribers.

The goal of The Read Optional is to take you inside the game. Whether that’s learning more about schemes, gaining an advantage in your fantasy league, or taking on Vegas (or the Virgin Islands or wherever), there is something for you.

If you’re interested in all things football – the X’s & O’s, evaluating players, the salary cap implications of signings and trades, the relationship between the NFL and the college game, and everything in between – then sign up now. To learn more, you can read our full about page.

Need any more reason? Here are some subscriber testimonials.

“consistently just casually drops episodes that are somehow equally informative and entertaining. all hail the read optional 🫡” — Liam Rice

“Ollie is a brilliant football mind” — Eagles X’s & O’s

“No one does it better than Ollie” — Johnny Page

“The foremost ball-knower” — Jordan Silviera

“Exceptional” — Josh Norris

“Ollie Connolly is the best. One of the smartest football people I know. I’ve learned a ton from him over the years.” — Dusty Evely

With the playoffs ahead, now is the time to sign up. Whether written content or podcasts are your thing, we have something to offer. The Read Optional can only continue with subscriber support. I hope you’ll come and join.

Thanks,

Ollie